#asksheila

 As many of you know, I have been hard at work on my first novel. Currently, my focus has been on getting the story down and for once, have not disappeared down the rabbit hole of editing while I write, although the temptation has been great. After more than two years, I finally can see the end in sight and couldn’t be more excited!

I do plan to hire an editor for this novel, but in the meantime,…

You Asked: How do I Prepare For My First Book Signing

I ‘ve been asked, by a friend, to speak to her literary group about my newly released short story collection, Maybe Next Time. I’ll admit I felt a bit of trepidation upon receiving the invite. I was excited about sharing my work, but a little nervous, but then decided, why not?

I will be speaking about my book, the inspiration for the stories, the Cow Pasture Chroniclesand share one of the…

What’s Your IP Address?

One thing is for sure, when you’re in the midst of a long-term recovery, you will get bored out of your mind. Top these circumstances with 2-3 days of snow and ice – someone is going to break the rules. Did I mention – me? To say I’ve been stretching the doctor’s instructions bit is an understatement. Pardon my digression; the squirrels are playing havoc with my brain.

Back to the point of this…

You Asked: The Ultimate Guide to Writing Genres | COW PASTURE CHRONICLES

Last in the series on genre. What are the major literary genres? In simple terms, genre is the type of story you’re writing and…

Source: You Asked: The Ultimate Guide to Writing Genre’s | COW PASTURE CHRONICLES

You Asked: 7 Things You Can do to Identify Your Genre | COW PASTURE CHRONICLES

From the archives of You Asked,the Experts Answer. This week’s question is: How do I know If I’ve chosen the right genre? Choosing a genre is something many writers struggle with …

Source: You Asked: 7 Things You Can do to Identify Your Genre | COW PASTURE CHRONICLES

I’d love to hear your comments. Talk to me. Tell me your story and look for me on Facebook at SheilaMGood,  Pinterest, …

You Asked: How Important is Genre? | COW PASTURE CHRONICLES

While I’m away:

From the You Asked, the Experts Answer, archives. This week   our question is: How important is genre? The simple answer is – very. According to C. S. Lakin, from Live, Write, Thriv…

Source: You Asked: How Important is Genre? | COW PASTURE CHRONICLES

Welcome to another,  You Asked, the Experts Answer, segment.  This week’s question is: What are Beta Readers and do I need one?

A Beta Reader is someone who reads your manuscript before you release it and provides feedback.  Similar to technology companies who release software updates to Beta Testers so they can work out the bugs before releasing the software to everyone. A Beta Reader does the same sort of thing for you. It’s a test run of your manuscript and the personal impressions of the reader.

Is it the Same as a Critique?

No. Critiques, are more in depth and are focused on grammar, plot holes, and the mechanics of writing.

A Beta Reader focuses on reading your manuscript. Feedback received includes their overall impression and any glaring mistakes. They will also provide a review after the book is released.

Do I Need One?

Based on what publishers and other experts say, yes. For those who choose to self-publish, using Beta Readers is, particularly, important. By the time we’ve finished a manuscript, our eyes stop seeing the holes or mistakes. Beta Readers are your test readers. Sending a book out into the world without utilizing this valuable resource can make or break your book’s success.

Where To Find Beat Readers

Social networking with other authors and writers in your genre. Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook Groups are all excellent.

GoodReads has an online Beta Reader Group.

A local group.

Fellow Bloggers.

Things to Remember:

Beta Readers should not be family or close friends.

They should, ideally, be within the target audience for your book –  age, gender, genre, and interest.

They’re avid readers.

Want More? Check out these other great posts on Beta Readers.

Be a Beta Reader by Dan Alatorre AUTHOR

How to find a beta reader and Briefing a Beta Reader: The Approach by Belinda Pollard.

The Ultimate Guide to Working with Beta Readers ByAmanda Shofner.

Coming soon, a request for Beta Readers for my soon-to-be-released Collection of Short Stories. More about that later. Until then, I’d love to hear your comments. Talk to me. Tell me your story and look for me on Facebook at SheilaMGood,  Pinterest,  Bloglovin, Twitter@sheilamgood, Contently, and Instagram.